Maturation period
If this is your first time Breeding Habaneros, you will longingly wait for a few ripe pods. Depending on the variety, these can take 70 to 100 days to mature. You have a better chance of a rich harvest if you grow varieties with a short ripening period.
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Harvest time
In addition to the maturity period, a Habanero variety, the sowing time is decisive for the harvest time. If the seeds are only sown outdoors in mid-May due to their intolerance to frost, harvesting cannot begin until August. The harvest time will be correspondingly short.
Anyone who prefers the Habanero indoors from February or March and cultivates it outdoors from mid-May can bring forward the beginning of the harvest and extend the harvest period as much as possible.
Recognize maturity
The maturity of the bulkheads can easily be perceived optically. They change color to yellow, orange, red, or purple depending on the variety. If you are still not sure, you can pick one of the pods and do a taste test.
Tips
Chillies of some Habanero varieties also taste unripe. In this regard, do some research about the strain you are growing.
Pick
Pick the chillies when needed. The time of day and the weather are not important. Do not pull on the pod, however, as whole parts of the plant can be torn off. Cut the sturdy stem with a sharp knife or scissors.
Tips
Picking ripe pods stimulates the flowering or the growth of more pods. Therefore, mature specimens should not be left hanging on the bush forever.
use
Habaneros can be used freshly picked. Both raw and cooked. When and to what extent you use them in the kitchen to process, depends on when and how much of its fiery pungency you welcome.
Preserve harvest surplus
Fresh chili peppers can be stored in the refrigerator's vegetable compartment for a few days. In addition, there are two ways to make it last longer
to make durable:
- by dry in the dehydrator or oven
- by inserting
Tips
At the latest in autumn, when the first frost is approaching, you should harvest the habanero completely. If you have the opportunity, you can then put the plant in winter quarters overwinter.